It was the 2022 World Final weekend, and with three meetings over 3 days at 3 different track on both tarmac and shale, you can imagine it was a logistical nightmare for both transportation and also cars. We took 4 trucks down south all loaded with cars and spares, and the trip to Mildenhall which was normally a four and a half hour drive took six and a half hours due to traffic, weather and accidents. This meant that the three drivers for this meeting, Lewis Galer (78), Terrence Dorrell (NZ22) and Sammy Ashton (NZ23) were up against time as we only arrived as the cars for heat 1 were exiting the track
Heat 1
We missed heat 1 but well done to in-form Craig Finnikin (55) who won the race.
Heat 2
Lewis, Terrence (driving Frankie JJ’s shale car) and Sammy (in a hire car) all went out for heat 2, and what a revelation it was.
Lewis started from white and led for a few laps before Jaro van de Vondervoort (H800) passed him and went on to take his first ever win in the UK. But the action behind Jaro is what was impressive as both Terrence and Sammy drove their respective cars like seasoned professionals (off the back) and were competing with some of the best drivers on shale and competing well. Terrence shone and finished his first ever race (he, like Sammy, had never sat in a BriSCA F1 until 5 mins before heading out onto track) in 6th place, with Lewis finishing 7th.
Consolation
Sammy went in the consolation, and using the experience from his heat was improving all race and managed to finish 7th and with that qualified for the meeting final. Dennis Tessalaar (H337) won the consolation, his first win in the UK.
Final
The final was excellent and action packed race with lots of stoppages for rolled cars, stranded cars and a rollover, and at the final restart it was Lewis who was in the lead with the flying Finn (Sargent) chasing him down, and he was closing until the 5 lap board came out, when Lewis pulled clear and went on to win his first ever BriSCA F1 final. Terrence was having a great race and had a the last bender on James Morris (463) come off he would have had a podium, but had to settle for an excellent 4th, with Sammy finishds 8th, great driving from all 3 drivers.
Grand National
Lewis had water pump issues so couldn’t take his place in the grand national, and it was another eventful race, withMatt Newson (16) taking the win with Terrence 6th and Sammy retiring after a heavy shunt.
Great driving from all 3 drivers and well done to Lewis on his first final win.
It’s the BIG ONE tomorrow, see you at Ipswich for the 2022 World Final!
#WainmanRacing #BriSCAF1
Photo’s ©Ian Bannister
